In the current climate that the udnerground find itself in, it’s no surprise to see how busy some musicians make themselves. Whether someone goes all in under a single act or really stretches their legs in multiple names across different styles and genres to really challenge themselves in order to scratch that artistic itch, it’s no big deal anymore in the digital age for one person to be in multiple bands. Some people, though take it a step further and really dig in deep to show us just how diverse their portfolio can be over the years. While not as prolific as some others, Krystian Lukaszewicz is one name that has put his fingerprints in many places throughout the underground. It is from Embarla Firgasto that he may be the most well-known for, but it’s with the birth of Dione that we see an entity rise that is of a different breed.

While it was within its full-length effort from last year that Embarla Firgasto dipped its toes in many different sounds, it is here with Dione that we see the vision and goal practically laser-focused onto one sound meant for maximum impact: black metal. Right from the very beginning, Dione makes itself known as an act that unashamedly pulls from the old school of the style out of reverence but it is twisted and incorporated in such a way that it doesn’t become stale but, rather, an organic piece that is as bombastic as it is flavorful. It is throughout the four tracks of “Cosmosphere” that we’re given a tremendous layout as to what kind of notes and themes that Dione makes its impact with as we’re thrown into an explosive cosmic setting that is absolutely filled with immense colors and otherworldly horrors without pulling back into deep stretches of atmosphere like what one might expect from black metal with such themes. A fleeting listen that pulls you only further in as you come upon its end as you’re driven to relive “Cosmosphere” with all that it has to offer, the only lament I could possibly have for this record is that there simply isn’t more of it to go around.

This is but Dione’s debut creation, though! There may not be much of it but what we’re are shown here isn’t anything less than immense and persistent black metal that doesn’t hold back for nothing as Dione’s impact upon the underground is more than felt in these four tracks. This is black metal that is ripe for expansion and likely destined for a little bit of experimentation if Lukaszewicz is to do here similar to what he did with Embarla Firgasto, but only time will tell. It is until then that “Cosmosphere” stands alone, but it stands firm and tall.

“Cosmosphere” releases on April 22nd!

LISTEN to an advanced track from “Cosmosphere” on Bandcamp here, or via YouTube below.

LIKE Dione on Facebook here.